title: Reliability of broadband middle-ear power reflectance in younger and older adults: application of generalizability theory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the reliability of broadband middle-ear power reflectance (BMEPR) and transmittance profiles for chirp and tonal stimuli using generalizability theory (GT).
  
  
  METHODS
  In adults without a history of middle-ear disease, the authors assessed the reliability of BMEPR to chirp and tonal stimuli using a multivariate approach based on an analysis of variance model (GT). For comparisons with other published studies, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients (Pearson's r) also were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on GT with chirp stimuli, overall BMEPR measures had good reliability; however, the reliability of individual profiles across frequencies and ears was less than optimal. Lower generalizability coefficients were found when transmittance was evaluated. Test-retest reliability using Pearson's r was better for right versus left ears, and mid-frequencies were generally more reliable than those at either extreme of the frequency range. In contrast, tonal stimuli had higher generalizability coefficients and Pearson's r values than chirps for all frequencies tested; Pearson's r values were also higher for right versus left ears.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The authors extended the use of GT as a preferred way to evaluate reliability of BMEPR and transmittance profiles for chirps and tones because it allows for a more comprehensive evaluation compared with unidimensional pairwise correlations.
authors.forename: Marty J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mahoney
authors.forename: Dennis J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: McFarland
authors.forename: Michelle S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.forename: Sabahet
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rizvi
authors.forename: Anthony T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Cacace
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D055815:Young Adult